Do I need a special tape to join laps in Vapour Control Layer?

boots1

Folks, just about to install vapour control layer on warm side of external walls. Do I need to use a special tape to join laps on polythene or is any regular packaging-type tape sufficient? Thanks in advance, boots

RKQ

We installed a blue breather paper to make our home airtight. We used the manufactures green tape - extremely sticky and strong. Almost impossible to remove. We also used their glue in a mastic gun - this would stick to anything!

I'd use a strong tape on polythene, maybe duct tape or aluminium. Pancel tape is good but might peel or split easily when wet/damp.

Maybe try a good glue stick in mastic gun, with good overlaps in polythene. Then use tape just to cover staple holes!

topcatcbr

Watch this

http://www.siga.ch/product/frame_e_blowerdoor.htm

Homepage

http://www.siga.ch/e_index.htm#

boots1

Thanks for the advice RKQ. Without wanting to sound ungrateful though, is there any point in going to the nth degree to cover the staple holes as the VCL will be punctured again when the slabbing starts (fixing slabs to studs)? In reality, should these relatively minor punctures be a cause for real concern?

RKQ

Hi Boot1, I notice you are asking similar questions in two treads?

If you are building a new timber frame house then invest a little in "airtightness" vapour barriers and tapes.

Fill the gaps around your windows with fibre glass or foam, then seal with an airtight membrane. The tape on the frame will be covered by the plaster slab.

Taping the staple holes is extremely important, as you will find out if you do this work yourself. The staples are necessary for a tight fit. The tape is really a reinforcing of the membrane, around the staple hole, to prevent rips/tears etc.

Proclima opens in summer to let any trapped moisture out. Its pores actually open up in the warm weather. So the membrane can move, therefore staple holes could tear.

You make a fair point about the slabs but I'd would scew fix these to ensure a tight fit.
The blowdoor test is carried out prior to slabbing!

This technology is standard practise in Europe. I installed it in 2003 and feel it was worth it.

The advice given is free... the choice is yours!

boots1

RKQ...sound advice & a good explanation as to why I should tape staple holes. Trawled web relentlessly yesterday & this was the best explanation yet....thanks. Are the SIGA products available here do you know or do you order direct online? I spoke with ecologics about similar products & based on their prices, it would cost me up to 3 grand (house too big!!) to buy membrane & tapes. If I had to make a choice between buying the membrane or buying a selection of the tapes (for example to seal around windows/gaps etc.) & using regular ploythene, where in your experience would you suggest that I'd get the biggest return? Thanks in advance, boots1

Slig

from a purely damage control point of view, around windows is probably the most important place to seal. especially if you are using rads

boots1

Thanks Slig.

RKQ

Cheers Boots1.I'm no expert but I did install it in my home.

Siga site is http://www.siga.ch/siga/e_intern.htm.
The Comic is worth a read!
I've never used their system, but friends are doing their course in the Autumn.
I'm not sure about prices or purchasing via internet. The tapes are very strong and durable.

I can't say use tapes with polythene! Just don't have any experience of that!
I know Proclima breathers in summer to release any build up of moisture, polythene won't breathe. ( Still a hot roof in summer might evaporate any trapped moisture!)

boots1

Thanks RK. Can I ask where you bought your membranes & tapes at the time?